By Claire Saffitz, The New York Times When I think of French pastry — before eclairs, before madeleines, before even the croissant — think of Paris…

The iconic French pastry you should bake for New Year’s party

Hollywood awoke today to the sad news that Eight Is Enough star Adam Rich was gone too soon at age 54. Mourners posted about the hairstyle that launched a thousand imitators and how he was a TV presence in their childhood. But those who knew him best also focused on his kindness and caring…

Hollywood Mourns ‘Eight Is Enough’ Star Adam Rich, As Fellow Child Actors Salute One Of Their Own — Deadline

Huell Howser, the genial TV personality who took Californians on a three-decade tour of their state, died Sunday night at 67. Howser was best known for the long-running series “California’s Gold,” which introduced viewers to places and people all over the state in its 18 seasons and 443 episodes. In November, Howser had announced that […]

TV’s Huell Howser dies at 67 — Orange County Register

Whenever I drive through Monterey Park, I feel like kicking myself. For years my friend Huell Howser was intrigued by the Cascades, a low-slung waterfall that is a landmark in my hometown. He wanted to feature the Cascades on his KCET show, “California’s Gold.” I maintained that the Monterey Park Observatory would likely be more interesting… read more:

Remembering Huell Howser — Orange County Register

Rick Singer, the mastermind behind the college admissions scandal, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison. He was paid millions to hire people to take exams for students, bribe coaches and embellish college resumes.

College admissions scam mastermind gets 42 months in prison — Home – CBSNews.com

A major storm known as an atmospheric river is drenching parts of California and causing flooding. Jonathan Vigliotti has the latest.

Atmospheric river threatens storm-weary West — Home – CBSNews.com

Paramount Network delivered some bittersweet news Sunday about the return of Yellowstone. Now that Jamie (Wes Bentley) has declared war …

‘Yellowstone’: Paramount Network Announces Return Date For Kevin Costner Drama

The ridiculously rare supercar could fetch up to $3 million—and break the record for the most expensive ‘Vette ever sold at auction.

This 1969 Corvette Stingray ZL-1 Convertible Is the Only One of Its Kind. Now It Can be Yours. — Robb Report

A series of winter storms have prompted flash flood evacuation warnings and wind advisories across Southern California that could dampen New Year’s Eve celebrations.  The storm will bring intense rain moving south through the state and is expected to drop up to one inch of rainfall per hour, according to the National Weather Service…

Flash flood warnings in place across Southern California as New Year’s Eve storm approaches — Orange County Register

A rare sight captivated locals as a snowy owl was discovered on the rooftop of an Orange County home on Wednesday. Excitement was palpable as a crowd of birdwatchers gathered at a home near Orangewood Avenue and Holder Street in Cypress to observe the owl resting on the roof.

Rare snowy owl sighting in Orange County captivates local residents — KTLA